Chatham Hall 25th High School Reunion

So, 25 years ago I graduated from a small boarding school in southern Virginia. Never really thought that I would be back…. I mean ever! At the time, I felt a bit overwhelmed by rules and structure basically wanting neither of the two. In the 80’s, a Grateful Dead concert was more the environment I desired! In 1985(after a year of college, a few less rules and plenty of Dead shows), I approached the headmaster at the time, Jerry Van Voorhis, with my idea to provide graduation photography for the students, families and school community. This is a multi day event full of tradition and so picturesque. When I graduated, there wasn’t anyone covering the event. Dutch(Jerry) thought it was a great idea and said, “Let’s do it”. So, every May since 1985, I have been heading back to my alma matter and providing this service. This year will also be my 25th year photographing graduation. It has been wild watching the school change over time. It has been enjoyable meeting all the different families and students who have also had an experience similar to mine. I remember one year when I was back for graduation, I realized that the students I was photographing had not even been born when I graduated. EEEEEK! The reunion this year also provided an opportunity for my old(I mean “past” haha) rector to come back as he was being honored for his service to the school and had a newly built lecture hall named after him. I got to have 15 minutes to photograph him and a (mostly) empty lecture hall, to capture him in and around the space. It was hard to realize at the time of my high school “career” how lucky I was for this opportunity- but it is pretty clear now. Such a warm and caring environment to flourish in. The bonds created are forever; the education, second to none!  It was wonderful to reconnect with some of my classmates last week and “light” plans were made with several to get together in the near future. I hope it happens! We all had alot of fun together-

The class of 1984 reunion attendees and Dr. Ann Beal

Dr Gary Fountain(current Rector) and Jerry Van Voorhis(Rector 1981-1997)

Dutch

Dutch and I outside of new Lecture Hall(thanks to hubby Jeff!)

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Dutch and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of Sri Lanka(1994-2005)

Dutch

Amanda Stewart(’09), Dutch and his wife Lockett and Robin Hadley(’57)

Cheri Bentley(’83) what a hoot she still is, Stacy Goodwin(’83) & Kennard McKay (Jen Gammill’s awesome husband)

Sarah Walker(’84) and Julia Mitchner(’84), basically looking the exact same – other than the adult beverages perhaps…

That’s me, Sarah Walker, Julia Mitchner and Jen Gammil

Mary Jo Blake and my awesome husband Jeff shared a few (too many) drinks & many laughs over the weekend